SLAYER STEAM vs GS3 vs V3 SLAYER

Battle of the Boutique Espresso Machines: Slayer Steam Single vs. Slayer V3 vs. La Marzocco GS3 MP

At CaffeTech Canada We understand how challenging it can be to choose between all the high end boutiques espresso machines available.  For home baristas and boutique café owners alike, choosing a high-performance single-group espresso machine is a serious investmen - one that blends craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, and aesthetic design. Three of the most respected contenders in this category are:

1. Slayer Steam Single Group
2. Slayer Single Group V3
3. La Marzocco GS3 MP (Manual Paddle)

At Caffetech Canada, we understand the subtle nuances that separate each machine. Let’s dive into a side-by-side comparison to help you decide which one fits your espresso vision best.

Overview of Each Machine:

1. Slayer Steam Single Group -Designed for high-efficiency milk-based drinks, the Steam Single is a compact powerhouse born from Slayer’s commercial line. It simplifies operation without sacrificing quality. Built standard with a portable water reservoir - upgradeable with a direct plumb kit. 

2. Slayer Single Group V3 - The V3 is Slayer’s flagship home/prosumer machine, emphasizing full manual control and pre-brew pressure profiling. Ideal for espresso purists who value ritual and experimentation. Available only with a direct water connection . 

3. La Marzocco GS3 MP - La Marzocco’s GS3 MP offers iconic Italian engineering and a manual paddle system for tactile control over pre-infusion and flow rate. It’s a favourite among specialty coffee professionals at home or in low-volume commercial settings. Avaialable standard as direct plumb or portable espresso machine. 

Specifications Comparison

Feature	Slayer Steam Single	Slayer Single Group V3	La Marzocco GS3 MP
Boiler Type	Dual Boiler	Dual Boiler	Dual Boiler
Steam Boiler Capacity	3.3 L	3.3 L	3.5 L
Brew Boiler Capacity	1.1 L	1.1 L	1.5 L
Water Source	Plumbed-In Only	Reservoir or Plumbed	Reservoir or Plumbed
Pre-Infusion Control	Timed (programmable)	Manual Needle Valve	Manual Paddle
Group Head	Saturated	Patented Brew Actuator (Needle)	Saturated
Steam Power	High Output (similar to Steam LP)	Powerful, slower than Steam	Strong, but not LP level
User Interface	Digital screen with presets	OLED screen, manual brew control	Analog gauge, tactile paddle
Dimensions (WxDxH cm)	40 x 51 x 43	43 x 48 x 39	40 x 53 x 35.5
Weight	40 kg	40 kg	34 kg
Price Range (CAD)	$16,500+	$19100+	$11,500+

 

1. The Slayer Steam Single  This innovative machine features an internal 2.5L water reservoir . The Steam single offered through CaffeTech Canada uses a barista dashboard that is super interactive and easy to use.  Paramount to the design of the Slayer Steam single is the intuitive Barista dashboard which Is user-friendly and allows the operator interaction with saved coffee profiles, easy navigating  and most of all consistent shot extraction with the ability to save profiles based on volume. 

Pros & Cons

 Slayer Steam Single Group Pros:

• Built for speed and consistency in milk-based drinks.
• High steam power and efficient workflow.
• Modern touchscreen UI with saved profiles.
• Commercial-level durability in a single group.

Slayer Steam Single Group Cons:

• Lacks full manual control over pre-infusion.
• Plumb-in only; not ideal for all home setups.
• Less suited for single-origin espresso exploration.
  

2. Slayer Espresso Single Group : Caffetech Canada offers the Slayer single group espresso machine. In a compact footprint, the Slayer single group packs the same commercial group, steam valves and brew actuators as Its commercial espresso machine lineup. In addition to this, the V3 single group is equipped with a new touchscreen interface that assists in flavour development, profiling, and temperature management.

2. Slayer Single Group V3 Pros:

• Unparalleled manual pre-infusion with needle valve.
• Ideal for precision espresso extraction.
• Supports both reservoir and plumbing.
• Aesthetic showpiece with handcrafted detail.

Slayer Single Group V3 Cons:

• Steeper learning curve for new users.
• Lower steam power than the Steam model.
• Slower workflow in busy café environments. 
  

3. La Marzocco GS3 MP  is a premium espresso machine designed for both home enthusiasts and professional baristas seeking precise control over espresso extraction. Available through CaffèTech Canada, this machine combines La Marzocco’s renowned engineering with user-friendly features

 La Marzocco GS3 MP Pros:

• • Iconic build quality and Italian design.
• • Manual paddle offers tactile espresso control.
• • Better suited for both home and small café use.
• • Reliable with widespread serviceability in Canada.

  La Marzocco GS3 MP Cons:

• No digital pre-brew control or profiling.
• Pricier than expected considering age of platform.
• Steam power not as strong as Slayer Steam. 
  

 

User Profile	Best Fit
High-volume milk drink production	Slayer Steam Single
Precision espresso aficionado	Slayer Single Group V3
Traditionalist with tactile preference	La Marzocco GS3 MP
Limited space or no plumbing access	GS3 MP or Slayer V3 (not Steam)
Focus on workflow efficiency	Slayer Steam Single

 

Which Machine Is Right for You?  Caffetech Canada’s Take:

All three Boutique pressure/flow control machines are superb, but they excel in different domains.

• Slayer Steam -  If you’re after speed and efficiency, the Slayer Steam Single is your workhorse. It offers repeatability and a more user friendly barista dashboard
• Slayer V3 For those who love crafting the perfect espresso with finesse, the Slayer V3 is your best bet. It offers great manual profiles and an accessible digital control panel that offers control of pump pressure and temperature. 
• La Marzocco GS3 MP  And if you value heritage, reliability, and manual control, the GS3 MP delivers beautifully. It offers exceptional build quality and a more analogue approach to making coffee. 

Still Not Sure? Contact sales@caffetech.com to reach our espresso experts. We’ll help you match the right boutique espresso machine to your workflow, budget, and coffee goals.

Caffetech Canada – Empowering coffee professionals with precision equipment, expert service, and a passion for the perfect shot!.

Read on for maintenance tips on your Boutique Espresso Machine ...

Mastering Maintenance: How to Care for Your Dual Boiler Espresso Machine

Dual boiler espresso machines are the gold standard for serious home baristas. With separate boilers for brewing and steaming, they offer unmatched temperature stability and performance. But like any precision instrument, your dual boiler machine needs regular maintenance to keep performing at its best.

At Caffetech Canada, we specialize in helping espresso lovers get the most out of their equipment. Here’s our expert guide to keeping your dual boiler machine running like new — whether you’re pulling shots with a Profitec Pro Drive, an ECM Synchronika II, or a La Marzocco Linea Micra.

 Daily Maintenance: Small Habits, Big Impact: Keeping your machine clean every day is the best way to prevent long-term issues.

1.  Purge the Group Head : After every shot, run hot water through the group head for 2–3 seconds to remove any remaining coffee grounds and oils.

2. Wipe and Purge the Steam Wand: Milk residue hardens quickly. After steaming, wipe down the steam wand with a damp cloth and give it a short purge to clear the nozzle.

3. Empty the Drip Tray and Waste Box: Avoid buildup of moisture, mold, or bacteria by emptying the drip tray and puck box daily — especially if you’re pulling multiple shots. 

 Weekly Maintenance: Keep the Internals Clean: These weekly steps prevent buildup inside the machine’s brew and steam systems.

1.  Backflush with Water: Run a blind filter (backflush disc) in your portafilter and cycle the pump 4–5 times using only clean water. This flushes the group head and three-way valve.

2. Clean the Shower Screen and Gasket: Use a brush or a cleaning tool to scrub around the gasket and screen. Remove the screen if your machine design allows, and soak it in hot water to dislodge oils and grounds. Use cleaners (like Cafiza or Puly Caff) if necessary. 

 Monthly Maintenance: Detergents & Descaling: Time to give your machine a deeper clean.

1.  Backflush with Espresso Cleaner: Use a backflushing detergent (like Cafiza or Puly Caff) once a month. Follow with several water-only cycles to rinse thoroughly.

2.  Inspect the Portafilter Baskets and Shower Screens : Soak them in warm water and detergent to remove coffee oils and residue. This keeps your shots tasting fresh and consistent.

3.  Descale if Needed:  If you’re using hard water and your machine is not plumbed in with a filtration system, descaling might be necessary. However, this depends on the machine — some, like the Linea Micra, should not be descaled manually and require professional service.

 Pro Tip: Use filtered or soft water to reduce scale buildup. Caffetech offers a range of water filtration solutions tailored to espresso machines

 Every 6–12 Months: Replace Wearable Parts  Preventative maintenance helps avoid costly repairs later.

What to Replace:

1. Group Head Gasket – Replace when it begins to harden or leak.
2. Shower Screen – If it’s showing signs of clogging or damage.
3. Water Filter (if plumbed in) – Follow your filter’s recommended replacement schedule.

Even with great daily care, internal components wear down over time. An annual inspection ensures your machine continues performing at its best.

Caffetech Canada’s Annual Tune-Up Includes:

• Boiler pressure testing
• Descaling (if appropriate)
• Pump performance check
• Full group head teardown
• Electrical system inspection

Our technicians are certified to work on Slayer, La Marzocco and other high End  machines such as Kees Van Der Westen San Remo and 

 Final Thoughts: Your Machine Deserves the Best

A well-maintained dual boiler espresso machine can easily last a decade or more. With just a few minutes of care each day and some occasional professional support; you’ll enjoy café-quality coffee at home for years to come. Need cleaning supplies or replacement parts? Looking to schedule service? Visit Caffetech Canada or contact our service@caffetech.com for expert support, parts, and tips tailored to your machine. Clean machine = better coffee. Every time. 

Let CaffeTech Canada help you protect your investment and perfect your craft.